Blueprint of a Craft

Alissa Johnston
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Entrepreneurship

What is your life’s true craft—and how do you actually bring it to life? Welcome to Blueprint of a Craft, a show that steps away from standard, predictable corporate bios to explore what people genuinely deliver to the world. Hosted by Alissa—a former Director of Organizational Development with over 11 years in leadership development—this podcast treats every episode like an active, collaborative conversation. Built on the core values of deep conversation, self-awareness, and intentional play, we dive beneath surface-level chatter to map out the unique value and impact each guest brings to life. Together, we frame their active transformation across three phases: 🌱 The Seedling: The early sparks, mindsets, and core values that secretly shaped their vision.🏗️ The Scaffolding: The real-time friction points and structural obstacles they’ve navigated.🌅 The Horizon: Where their active evolution is heading next and how they stay flexible along the way.Your craft isn't what's stamped on a corporate business card—it is the highest-quality essence of value you give to the world. Step into our space, reflect on your own roadmap, and discover how great visions actually take shape!

Episodes

  1. Sep 9

    Redefining Retirement: How to Design An Impactful "Act Three" Through Strategic Relationships

    What happens when you step away from a four-decade corporate career and suddenly have to write your own story?  Welcome to Blueprint of a Craft, hosted by Organizational Development strategist and Learning & Development leadership coach Alissa Johnston. In this episode, we sit down with former corporate sales leader Bruce McCreary to explore his transition into what he coins "Act Three"—the positively unemployed chapter of life. While most retirement advice focuses strictly on financial planning, Bruce and Alissa dive deep into the overlooked non-financial side of major career transitions. Discover how Bruce’s core superpower—cultivating sincere, strategic relationships—serves as his foundational blueprint for navigating unscripted horizons, testing new curiosities, and building authentic connections. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to transition from pre-set corporate calendars to setting your own daily table.Why our greatest weaknesses are often just overdone strengths.Strategies for using 360-degree feedback to gain self-awareness.Practical, low-pressure tactics for men and leaders to build new friendships (from dog walking to mind mapping).How to let serendipity guide your next career or life pivot by walking down the hallway before choosing a corridor.Resources & ToolsSPIN Selling Philosophy: Customer-centric sales methodology focused on uncovering needs, asking contextual questions, and aiding the buyer’s agenda.Rock Retirement Club (by Roger Whitney / Retirement Answer Man): A community and resource hub focused heavily on the non-financial side of retirement and helping individuals write their own "Act Three" story.Pepperdine University (Change Management Program): Graduate coursework highlighted for its behavioral dynamics, group facilitation, and change management principles taught by psychologist Duke Page.Evernote ("Someday Maybe" List)Mind Mapping ToolsConan O’Brien Needs a Friend (Podcast)Timed Segment Themes00:00 – Show Intro & The Definition of Craft00:41 – Introducing Bruce McCreary & "Act Three"01:51 – Icebreakers, Likability, and Skepticism05:25 – Perspective, Egocentrism, and Common Ground07:15 – Aliens & Skepticism (Lighthearted Break)07:48 – Defining the Craft: "Positively Unemployed" in Act Three09:21 – The Opportunity Alchemist & Serendipity11:53 – Managing Empty Calendars & Navigating Challenges14:02 – Lessons from Pepperdine & Duke Page15:02 – Balancing Intuition & Gathering Facts16:57 – The 360 Review & Outside Perspectives18:25 – Frameworks for Act Three: Career Coaching & Rock Retirement Club20:06 – Cultivating Authentic & Strategic Relationships22:52 – Practical Networking Tactics for Men25:35 – Weekly Reviews & Mind Mapping Friends26:46 – Blueprint Synthesis & Sitting with Discomfort30:15 – The "Someday Maybe" List31:46 – Host Outro, Synthesis, & Weekly Challenge * Please note that all information and perspectives included in this conversation are based solely on personal insights and preferences.

  2. Aug 26

    The Power of Feeling Seen: Elyse Badewitz on Turning Childhood Inspiration Into High Impact Craft

    What if holding firm boundaries and establishing clear structure isn't harsh—but actually the key to preventing burnout and creating true freedom? In this episode of Blueprint of a Craft, leadership coach and Learning & Development strategist Alissa Johnston sits down with award-winning Nashville spa owner and business consultant Elyse Badewitz (Spa Haus Nashville). Elyse shares her 30-year friendship connection with Alissa and breaks down her journey from a 16-year-old inspired by her first facial to building a multi-million dollar spa empire with 20 employees. She reveals the hard-learned realities of navigating leadership loneliness, shifting away from people-pleasing tendencies, and using curiosity as a competitive edge. In this episode, we detail Elyse's personal blueprint: The Seedling: How feeling "seen and loved" during a childhood facial sparked a lifelong passion for health, wellness, and human connection. The Scaffolding: Overcoming leadership burnout by replacing emotional people-pleasing with firm policies, clear systems, and supportive peer communities like EO. The Horizon: Expanding her impact through spa consulting and coaching to help other business owners bypass years of stress and scale sustainably. This episode offers practical wisdom on building a business that thrives without burning you out. Episode Recommended Tools/Equipment/Resources: 1. Books & PublicationsWho: The A Method for Hiring (by Geoff Smart and Randy Street): A life-changing framework for hiring the right team members and avoiding costly recruitment mistakes.2. Mindset & Wellness PracticesTranscendental Meditation (TM): Practiced to reduce stress, avoid mental spiraling, and maintain clarity as a business leader.Daily Gratitude Journaling / Brain Dumping: Writing down at least three things you are grateful for each day and dumping stressful thoughts onto paper to reset your mindset.4. Business & Spa OperationsSpa Haus Nashville: Elyse’s day spa location in Nashville, Tennessee (spahaunsnashville.com).Spa Consulting & Coaching Services: Her consulting platform helping spa owners establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), systems, and leadership mindsets (@yourspaexperts on Instagram).3. Professional Networks & Community OrganizationsEntrepreneurs' Organization (EO) – Nashville Chapter: A global peer-to-peer network for business owners providing monthly forum groups to share leadership wins and challenges.Retreats & Mentorship Groups: Attending leadership retreats (such as those hosted by Tiffany Napper) to build connections.Timestamp Topic / Overview 00:00 Episode Intro & Concept 00:43 Guest Introduction: Elyse Badewitz 01:29 Reconnecting & Icebreaker Questions 05:54 Defining the Core Word & Lifecraft 06:58 The 16-Year-Old Spark: The Facial That Changed Everything 09:56 Overcoming People-Pleasing & Learning Boundary Holding 14:19 Burnout to Freedom 16:51 Curiosity as a Competitive Advantage & Business as Art 18:38 Combating the Loneliness of Leadership 24:06 The Pivot to Spa Consulting & Mindset Coaching 27:14 Leaning on Support Systems & Building the Right Team 30:15 Future Trajectory: Spa Haus Nashville & Upcoming Book 31:31 Top Tool Recommendation & Mindset Strategies 37:21 Blueprint Framework Recap 41:04 Where to Connect & Closing Thought Experiment

  3. Aug 26

    Beyond the Numbers: How Derick Santiago Built Mocktail Wiz and Embraced His Next Creative Pivot

    What happens when the metric you've been using to track success is actually limiting your creative growth? In this episode of Blueprint of a Craft, leadership coach and L&D strategist Alissa Johnston sits down with IT project manager, author, and creator Derick Santiago (widely known as MocktailWiz) to discuss navigating creative pivots and unboxing your true potential. Derick shares how he turned a personal sobriety journey and mixology passion into a thriving side business, landed two book deals with fewer than 1,000 social media followers, and is now stepping into a fresh creative season as his personal energizers shift. In this episode, we frame Derick's personal blueprint: The Seedling: How childhood memories of watching his mother adapt recipes in the Philippines sparked his culinary curiosity and problem-solving mindset. The Scaffolding: Leveraging corporate consulting skills to manage brand partnerships, while resisting the trap of measuring personal worth by algorithm views. The Horizon: Expanding beyond a single niche to launch new creative outlets without abandoning past successes. Whether you are balancing a corporate career with a side business, leading a team through change, or evaluating how you define your own success, this conversation delivers practical insights on building a craft with true qualitative impact. Episode Recommended Tools/Equipment/Resources: 1. Video & Photography EquipmentCamera Formats: Micro Four Thirds camera, APS-C format camera, and Full-Frame format camera.Smartphone: iPhone (used for initial video filming and content creation).Books & Published MaterialsCookbooks & Recipe Decks by Derick Santiago:The Mocktail Club (Book published January 2024 by Barnes & Noble and other booksellers)Make It a Mocktail (Recipe deck published July 2024)Content Channels & Social Media PlatformsInstagram:@Mocktailwiz (Mocktail recipes, mixology without alcohol, and sobriety-centric content)@DerekTheWiz (General lifestyle, behind-the-scenes content creation, camera setups, travel itineraries, and owner car reviews)YouTube: Video publishing and research platform for long-form tutorials, technology, and owner-perspective reviews. Timestamp Topic / Section Overview 00:00 Show Introduction & Concept 00:44 Guest Introduction: Derick Santiago (Mocktailwiz) 01:31 Icebreaker Questions: Behind the Scenes 04:32 Overcoming Colorblindness in Art 06:02 Rapid Fire: Aliens, Cats, Logic, and Play 07:25 Defining the Current Craft & Four-Year Milestone 09:43 Connecting Corporate IT Skills to Content Creation 12:15 Roots & Inspiration: Honoring His Mother 17:16 Challenges: Audience Misconceptions & The Trap of Metrics 24:13 The Creative Pivot: Beyond Mocktails 27:07 Exploring New Passions: Cameras, Travel, and Car Reviews 31:30 Blueprint Recap & The Three Core Intentions 35:32 Outro & Weekly Micro-Play Challenge Alissa closes with a weekly challenge: Build or launch one thing purely for the fun of it—no follower goals or metrics attached.

  4. Aug 26

    Owning Your Seat: Devi TheEvolutionary on Young Leadership, Self-Love, Community Building

    What if wisdom isn't defined by your age or corporate title, but by your willingness to show up authentically? In this premiere episode of Blueprint of a Craft, leadership coach and Learning & Development strategist Alissa Johnston sits down with community builder Devi TheEvolutionary (founder of Vision and Voice) to unpack what it truly takes to claim your seat in the room. Devi shares her journey of navigating survival mindsets, overcoming ageism at 22, and transforming past trauma into a purpose-driven craft: bringing people together to build, transform, and evolve. We detail Devi's personal blueprint: The Seedling: How a defining moment of childhood bravery at six years old built her lifelong resilience and courage. The Scaffolding: Balancing the drive of the ego with the humility of self-awareness, and learning to listen to your mind-body connection. The Horizon: Pivoting away from projects that lack passion to build sustainable, transformational safe spaces for women. Whether you are an entrepreneur, team leader, or visionary stepping into new opportunities, this episode will inspire you to stop asking for permission and start owning your space. Recommended Best Practices/Resources: Grounding & Self-Care Practices:Grounding in Nature: Spending time outdoors (putting feet in the dirt, sitting in the sun) to reset and clarify thoughts.Meditation & Breathwork: Practicing intentional awareness of breath and listening to thoughts to manage anxiety and connect the mind-body link.Spiritual Baths: Using hot water, incense, and candles for clearing mental space and resetting energy.Co-Regulation & Peer Support:Co-Regulating with Friends: Leaning on trusted peers to talk through challenges, vent, or simply sit in shared presence without judgment.Networking & Relationship Strategies"Rubbing Shoulders" / Authentic Relationship Building:Approaching networking not as a transactional exchange of business cards, but as a "courting process" built on shared laughter, mutual alignment, and collaboration.Diverse Peer Circles:Actively placing yourself in new rooms and surrounding yourself with people outside of your immediate circle who support your vision and growth.Devi’s Contact Information & Community PlatformCommunity Group: Vision and Voice (A supportive space for women and builders focusing on peer support and transformational growth).Facebook: Devi The EvolutionaryInstagram: @deovionelizabeth TimestampTopic / Overview 00:00 Episode Intro & Craft Definition 00:43 Guest Introduction 01:43 Icebreaker: Likability & The Age Advantage 04:13 Symbolism: Butterflies & Scarab Beetles 05:43 Early Sparks & Core Story: Bravery at Six Years Old 08:18 Aliens & Feeling Like an Outcast 09:37 Defining Devi’s Craft: Community Building & Transformation 15:22 Mainframe & Pivot: Leaving Survival Mentality Behind 18:18 Navigating Imposter Syndrome & Outside Influences 21:28 Mind-Body Practices & Grounding Tools 23:44 Vision and Voice: Safe Spaces for Women 25:38 Future Vision: Non-Profit Expansion 28:13 Recap: The Blueprint Framework 29:13 Recommended Tools & Resources 31:18 Where to Connect with Devi 34:38 Outro & Weekly Reflective Question

  5. Season 1 Trailer

    Trailer: What Is Your Life Craft? | Introducing Blueprint of a Craft with Alissa Johnston

    Have you named your current life craft—the unique value and impact you’re bringing to the world beyond a job title? Welcome to Blueprint of a Craft, hosted by Learning & Development strategist Alissa Johnston. In this introductory trailer, step into our conversational sandbox where strategy meets human connection, self-awareness, and play. In our upcoming launch episodes, we’re mapping out the real-time blueprints of extraordinary guests, including: A Visionary Community Builder navigating personal transformation at the spark of her craft.An IT Leader who successfully pivoted to monetize a brand-new creative venture.A Nashville Spa Founder who transformed past failure moments into a thriving business model.A Veteran Sales Leader designing his "3rd Act" retirement story.An L&D Strategist engineering high-impact growth programs across the Midwest. We officially launch on Wednesday, August 26th, with new episodes dropping bi-weekly on Wednesdays. Hit Follow/Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you never miss a blueprint session!

Trailer

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About

What is your life’s true craft—and how do you actually bring it to life? Welcome to Blueprint of a Craft, a show that steps away from standard, predictable corporate bios to explore what people genuinely deliver to the world. Hosted by Alissa—a former Director of Organizational Development with over 11 years in leadership development—this podcast treats every episode like an active, collaborative conversation. Built on the core values of deep conversation, self-awareness, and intentional play, we dive beneath surface-level chatter to map out the unique value and impact each guest brings to life. Together, we frame their active transformation across three phases: 🌱 The Seedling: The early sparks, mindsets, and core values that secretly shaped their vision.🏗️ The Scaffolding: The real-time friction points and structural obstacles they’ve navigated.🌅 The Horizon: Where their active evolution is heading next and how they stay flexible along the way.Your craft isn't what's stamped on a corporate business card—it is the highest-quality essence of value you give to the world. Step into our space, reflect on your own roadmap, and discover how great visions actually take shape!

Information

  • Creator
    Alissa Johnston
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Alissa Johnston
  • Show Website
    Blueprint of a Craft